Every ritual in the Mass has a purpose. Every word, gesture, symbol, and prayer helps us encounter God and grow as a community of faith. As we explore the parts of the Mass, we will discover not only what we do, but why we do it. From the Sign of the Cross to the Final Blessing, each ritual invites us to listen, respond, give thanks, and be transformed by God’s presence. Fr. Brian Nichols is a lecturer at Catholic Theological College and a member of the Department of Systematic Theology, lecturing in liturgical theology and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He is the Parish Priest of Sandy Bay/Taroona parish in Hobart, holding a Bachelor of Theology (University of Divinity) and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from St Anselmo (Rome).